Old thread but missed it previously.
I had similiar experience with Audphile1. In my opinion, Sonus Faber lower models(Cremona and below) have a dark character and the highs are rolled-off. My previous Grand Piano speakers sounded exactly as what you've described with the equally dark Plinius SA-100 amp. Even the employment of the harsh and bright Krell KAV-300i doesn't help in bringing out the details but I thought this combination sounded much better than the Plinius. Unless your musical tastes lean towards a soothing, warm and laidback kind of sound, an upfront and lively amp such as the Krell would be a better match with the Cremonas to achieve an overall more balanced presentation.
I had similiar experience with Audphile1. In my opinion, Sonus Faber lower models(Cremona and below) have a dark character and the highs are rolled-off. My previous Grand Piano speakers sounded exactly as what you've described with the equally dark Plinius SA-100 amp. Even the employment of the harsh and bright Krell KAV-300i doesn't help in bringing out the details but I thought this combination sounded much better than the Plinius. Unless your musical tastes lean towards a soothing, warm and laidback kind of sound, an upfront and lively amp such as the Krell would be a better match with the Cremonas to achieve an overall more balanced presentation.